Another reason why 2010 will be a big year for me and my family? This is the year that we move to New York City. We have been going back and forth between living in the city and living in the suburbs. Right now we are thinking city, mostly for commute reasons. {Well, mostly because the city is AWESOME, but secondly because an hour+ commute for my husband after a 14 hour work day is no good for him or me}
This NYC apartment was featured in September’s Martha Stewart Living and has already been posted about a few times, but I LOVE it. I think if we end up in the city, this sort of decorating is the way to go. Spare and clean, but lived-in looking and real. Jennifer Chused owns this Brooklyn apartment with her son and husband. She is one of the head designers at Dwell Studio.
First up, the foyer. Check out the antiqued mirror! Who really wants to see a wrinkles-and-all-reflection every time they walk in or out of the house? Here’s a great tutorial for turning any plain-jane mirror into an “antique.”
I think this is an awesome kitchen for a city apartment – butcher block counters and subway tiles all the way to the ceiling. The rug is from Madeline Weinrib and the bull’s head is from a flea market.
Here’s Jennifer in her stunning dining room. I love the yellow rug and all the pretty wood furniture. Noticing a trend with the creamy white walls? So fresh! And I like that she opted for simple cream fabric shades on the windows. Not at all fussy.
The linens are from Dwell (naturally). They look great paired with the peacock dinnerware from Anthropologie.
Jennifer’s son’s play room is absolutely adorable. The rug is from Dwell Studio, as are the fabric shades. The red rocker in the back corner is such a fun punch of color! It is Ron Arad’s design for Vitra, called the Tom Rock chair. I could only find the straight leg version online, at Unica Home. Craigslist sometimes produces this chair or similar rockers.
Jennifer made the soft storage bins shown here, but there are some available for purchase from the Dwell brown dots collection. The red toy bridges are available here.
And don’t you just LOVE the framed series? Yup, you guessed it. The prints are pages from a book about vintage airplanes (I wish they had shared the title of that book!! Anyone know?).
You can purchase similar vintage educational charts on eBay and etsy. I like this one
and this one is very cute (especially if your child’s name begins with R!).
There is a whole series of these adorable charts. Love the black and yellow! Someone should snatch these up ASAP.
Jennifer and her husband’s bedroom is probably my favorite room in the apartment. I love the subtle gray-green wall color, the chandelier, that mirror!, THOSE PRINTS!!, and the chest (purchased on eBay). I also spy Dwell’s Pearl Chinoiserie bedding. Very pretty!
Here’s my problem: I have lots of stuff and I love the city. Boo.
That's a tough one! We sort of combined it: we live in an historic district near the urban center of a medium-sized southern city. Very far from being New York, but still has the great restaurants, parks, museums, etc within a mile or so. While we don't have a large home (1,500 sq ft plus guest house), it is quite bigger than your average place in a city like New York. I love to visit a big city, but a semi-suburban life is the real me. We entertain our large family (15-25 people) monthly if not more, so the amount of space we have now isn't even quite enough! However, given your choice, I wouldn't want my husband making that commute either! If it wasn't a forever placement, I could definitely deal with living in a small, urban home … knowing a larger house with a yard, etc was awaiting me a few years later. Good luck! You can't go wrong!
I love that house too. I absolutely adore the window treatments in the boys room. As for the question, after seeing that loft I would say a larger apartment with lots of room.
My dream is to one day live right smack dab in the middle of a wonderful city, and after owning (and cleaning and decorating and loving) our sprawling Texas suburban home for 5 years, a small sparsely-furnished yet perfectly appointed apartment sounds heavenly.
I think it would be fun to live in the city for short period of time. If your girls will be starting school during this time period I'd visit the schools to help you decide. My husband has a longer commute so that we can live in a good school district and I don't regret it for a second! I'm sure whatever you decide, your home will look fabulous!
Here's my two cents as someone married to a corporate lawyer with two kids under three. We chose a smaller firm– still heavily peopled with Ivy League folk– in a smaller, mid-Atlantic town for quality of life. We have a large and totally affordable 80 year old home, Adam works a lot, but since there's not a "face time" policy, he can go in at 8:30, come home at 6, and then work at home after our kids go to bed. I love the idea of NYC, but I hate the idea of my kids being basically single-parented by me for the next ten years. I think if choosing between suburbs/city in the NYC area, I would only choose city– it would be harder, but easier than being stuck in Jersey by yourself:)
As much as I love New York City, I chose to live in the suburbs because the public schools are so much better than most of the schools in the city. I could never afford the $30,000+ tuitions that the private schools charge and I couldn't afford an apartment in a district with a decent public school. Once my kids are in college, though, I dream of moving to an apartment in the city!
Good luck with your move whatever you decide!
You hit the nail on the head. I think there is a fine line, I love a well edited space just as much as a chock full nook of ecletic bits. Both require work to make a house or an apartment a home.
Wishing you all the best, and that we end up as NY neighbors. The city requires beaucoupe d'argent.
pve
I love NYC, and my husband and I have already decided should he get a job there (I already go for business quite a bit, but we live 3 hours away) we're living on the Upper West Side.
The big drawback is that you won't have much storage space! What will you do with your basement full of beautiful things??
Regardless of where you choose, I know you will do a wonderful job and having a vibrant (I think so many NYC apartments forget about color!!), well edited, comfortable, and beautiful space!
I would love to see what you do with a small space. Those projects are so fun for me to watch. I totally see your bedroom x chairs in her room as well. I like your blue better. I can't wait to see what you guys decide. You guys did awesome as a family down in Brooklyn. I bet you'll adapt well to downtown life.
I am such a country girl. I could never live in a big city. I can't imagine living in an apartment either. It's not so much space – we don't have a huge house – not that we need one with only two people! It's the yard, that kind of space. I need my space, my privacy, my YARD. We're very much outdoor people.
Good luck on whatever you decide!
tina
those are tough. I personally like the idea of the city (as long as I have a balcony or rooftop access…must have "personal" outdoor space) and like being "forced" to edit my items. Those who have lived in NYC are better than anyone at editing. My husband is a total country boy in terms of houses, so suburbs was our compromise.
NYC is also interesting because I think there's a big dwelling gap. If one can afford the fabulous apartments/condos you get a ton -relatively speaking- more storage space compared with the studios/2 bedroom conversions that so many people are in. I think back to the VP's condo I visited while interning at an IBank and that would be beyond awesome (though rumor has it it was wife's money not his that got them the space!). But my colleagues a couple years out of our MBA program are not living in that kind of condo! :-)
OK I'm going to be a little bratty here, but I have to. We just moved from NYC this past summer…and other people might talk about living in A city, but it's a lot different from living in THE city–aka New York City. You can't compare NYC to any other city on earth, so it's not about do you like living in a city, but would you like living in NYC? It's its own beast. Make sense?
Like I said we lived there for 4 years while the hubs was in dental school. Yes it was tightly packed, yes it was sometimes hard with a kid {and you have 3} and yes there are lots of crazy-you-don't-even-know-it-until-you-move-there type of things about living in NYC, but it was THE BEST. You will LOVE living in the city. It's a great place to raise a family–I think it depends on the neighborhood. The down side are the schools….you don't just send your kids to the nearest schools…even brothers and sisters can end up at different schools in different parts of the city. But in our ward we had friends with 4 and 5 kids {5 kids in a 2 bedroom–that's another thing that shifts is your perception of what's doable} and they make it work. If you want some connections to some families in the city let me know and I'd be happy to give you some emails–although I'm sure a gal like you is well connected.
I think you can have fun living outside the city, but it will not be the same experience at all. And like you said, it will be a bit of a commute since all the places right outside the city are just as expensive. There will be downsides and adjustments, but living in the best city in the world will more than make up for it! So excited for you!
This is one of my all time favorite homes. I prefer a small space to a large, but of course here in alabama my small is different from ny city small. that small could fit in my kitchen:) it would be quite an adventure to live in the city though and easier while your children are small.
Oh tiny city apartments *sigh* you will be the death of me and my love of decorating!
I recommend living in Brooklyn like the people in the article. you will have lots more space for less money than living in manhattan…and if you're lucky, you might even find a place with a yard! It's the best of both worlds.
I would say city, definitely. It just has so much to offer when you actually live there, between seeing all the museums on non-touristy days, and getting to see Broadway plays at the last minute for a fraction of the price of regular tickets, and all the wonderful activities for your children, I am all for the city! It would also help you simplify – how much of this stuff do I really need, etc.?
The city! Just having the opition to have your husband home sooner is worth the sacrifice for space! Plus I think that less is more. And imagine all the fun things that you'll be able to do in the city. Can't wait to hear what you decide and how you decorate your new digs.
Can't wait to see how you put together you're new pad! When's the big move? Have you lived there with any of your children before?
Happy to hear you'll be getting more family time with your honey!
I think I could get rid of almost all my things if it meant that I could live in NYC!
I've done both! After two years in downtown Boston (living in 550 sq ft), being able to walk everywhere and enjoy great restaurants – the hassles of never having parking and never feeling like I had a "space" of my own – I bought a home in the burbs and couldn't be happier….granted I make a point to head back into town once a week! :)
antiqued mirrors are cool? the type you can hardly see your face in? Great. I have one that we are figuring out what to do with. We want to hang it above our credenza, but thought it silly because it is so foggy. We will hang it anyhow!
Think I d like to see more of my husband so would put up with the lack of space.I would truggle without outdoor space though. It was interesting seeing the small kitchen. My brother lives in Manhattan and spent alot of money on a large Smallbone kitchen but was told that in NY expensive kitchens wouldn't be a selling point in the future as many people eat out or order in !! He has brought up two children there but has had the luxury of living by central Park and being able to afford private schooling (if thats what its called inthe States)
ZoeB
Those articulation and Bossy R charts are so great. As a speech therapist that works with kids, I would kill to have a set of them, not for work but for fun! If you hear anything more about them, please do share!
That console table in the front hall is amazing! Love it. My heart says CITY, but the treasured junk in the attic says 'BURBS. I know that does not help AT ALL. :) Good luck!
We moved from an area with a kazillion people per square inch to less than a kazillion per square mile. I didn't realize until we lived here how stressed I was by all those people and lack of breathing room. But that's just me.
Sure was better for the kids' ability to be independent as well.
Ann
I am a New Yorker and a big firm lawyer. I live in Brooklyn (yay Brooklyn!!) with my husband and two children. Our place (a condo with shared outdoor space) is great, but it's nowhere as nice as the lovely home you feature. NYC has a lot to offer, but there is no question that it takes money, and a lot of it, to replicate the kind of living that magazine spreads such as this one highlight. Good luck with your move. Love your blog.
There is the romance of city life and the reality of the city life. I think life in NYC with two young children and a baby is going to be the challenge of your life. We did it with twins about 10 years ago and ran for the 'burbs.
If you could bring your family and sublet a place for a few weeks or so, I think you'll have a very different vision of what life is really like in New York.
Nonetheless–wishing you the best of luck!
I am a lawyer at a large midtown Manhattan law firm and second the idea that you think about Brooklyn, where many, many lawyers at my firm with families live. It could be a great compromise for you and your family – bigger spaces but still convenient to Manhattan (especially downtown) and accessible via subway (which is much more convenient than depending on the commuter train from the suburbs).
I live in NYC, in manhattan, the way I look at it, is the more space you have, the more crap you accumulate!
Plus, I hate driving and going in the cars and in NYC I can walk everywhere.
Also, Its much easier to spend time with my daughter… most of my social and work activities take place within ten blocks of my apartment, so I can always pop back home after her nap to pick her up and take her out…
Oh my! That apartment isn't spare by NYC apartments…I've lived there for many years, and anyone I know would only dream of this…perhaps if you're way out in Brooklyn…but most likely not in Manhattan…unless money is no object.
The city would be really fun for you, and exiting for awhile…such an adventure! I do still miss it a little!
If you don't find a place that you're happy with, there are some towns in Westchester where the commute wouldn't be too bad (your husband will probably be working near mid-town, and it trains go directly into Grand Central from Westchester.
Good luck!
Go CITY while you are energized to do it. You can always move out but once you're out and acquire stuff to fill up your suburban home you'll never be able to move in. You will learn to be so organized and simplify enabling you to really enjoy what the city has to offer with your husband and girls. Go for it!. I love your blog and style. I stumbled on you from Erika at Urban Grace. Unrelated ?—what did yall do about Santa for your bigger girls the morning you were in labor?
We share your conundrum. My husband and I have lots of stuff, but want to move to the city. I could be more of city dweller than my husband. I like minimalism and keep small spaces very tidy. He, however, likes to sprawl.
PS – I'm in LOVE with your blog. It's one of my favorites parts of the day!
I hate how posed they look in those pictures!
I'm so glad you scanned those tear sheets. Now I have them in digital form! I loved that house, too.
FWIW, I think you should try to live in the city. At the end of a long day (for you AND the hubby), you don't want an hour commute to stand between you. Keep looking at spare designs like this one to inspire you.
I think the city would be such a great adventure! We have two daughters (four and two) and I could not imagine my husband having such a long commute.
NYC would provide so much creative inspiration! Thanks so much for your blog!
I love the peacock dinnerware- pairs so well w/ the Dwell linens!
It's beautiful. I remember reading the article when it came out. I especially love the little boys room! I can't wait to see what you do with your new digs after you move.
How exciting! If you need any info about NYC, I'd be happy to share. Just email me.
That apartment is amazing. Im sure its equally amazingly expensive too :)
If you aren't sure if you want the burbs or the city, you might consider Brooklyn. Its a cross between.
In your situation, I would pick the city! I can't imagine commuting after such a long work day.
A tough dilemma for sure. The worst part…leaving that great office you created in your current home!
Less space. Less Stuff. = More LIFE!
Hmmm, toughie.
Personally, I could never do "THE" city. Being born and bred in Texas, I'm a wide open spaces kinda girl, and having that many people on top of me…I would DIE of claustrophobia! :) Plus, I have three kids, and just moved from 1600sf to 3700sf, and all this room is incredible. I couldn't imagine cramming three kids and their (even spared down) acoutrements into a tiny apartment.
That being said, I couldn't stand it if my husband was gone for 16 hours a day, either.
Glad I don't have to make the choice…follow your heart!
Hi, I found you through my friend Abbey (who goes Design Scouting!)
My husband and I just moved to NYC this past fall and downsized from an 800 sq. foot place to a 400 sq. foot place. Six months ago, if you had asked me if we could do that, I would have laughed hysterically, but it's been fantastic. It was hard to let go of things I had been collecting, but once they were gone, it was incredibly freeing.
We found a place on the UWS after looking in Brooklyn – we had assumed Brooklyn would be a better deal, but at the end of the day, we were able to get a better space in Manhattan for the same price as the places we were looking at in Brooklyn (go figure!) and the prices are even better now than they were in September, when we were on the hunt. It could be a fantastic experience for a family! Living here is wonderful.
Good luck!
I am a city girl at heart, but since I have lots of stuff I had to get creative with storage. If it is not permanent, then go with the city. Think about the experience for your girls!
This post is going 2B2 long but I've lived in both & here's what I have 2 say….LOVE all that cities offer: great restaurants, shopping, culture, etc. 1'st sbbn house was awful (not house, but town). Great schools & location but typified all the suburban cliches I loathe. Back 2 the city, along w/private school tuition – which is only part of it. There R annual funds, gala's, auctions, etc that we hadn't considered when budgeting for tuition. 4 yrs & the equiv. of a pvt college tuition later, we were on the move again. A promo moved us back 2 NYC area -this time we chose more carefully. We live in a suburb with top schools but R surrounded by people who have lived all over the US/world & R interesting, well read & cosmopolitan. My advice 2 you is 2 do your homework on your children's education 1'st. There is a lengthy process involving interviews, school visits, etc. And UR broaching the application cut off dates (end of Jan, early Feb). Find your schools & then find your home. UR talented & can make a home out of a closet. Your kids R young & U might not B prepared 2 think along these lines yet…BUT if you're not happy w/the kiddos school, it doesn't matter how fab your place is. If U can do NYC – awesome! Don't discount Brkln, Riverdale, or some NJ burbs. Go 4 midtown drect towns in NJ (Maplewood, Glen Ridge, Upper Montclair, Ridgewood, Summit). Good luck!!
I live with two kids in a big city, and I can't wait for the day we can move to the country. Not the burbs, but a small town. Right now, their dad lives down the street and they are in good schools, so a move is out of the question. But after 10 years in the city, the bloom is off the rose. I live in a good neighborhood, but houses are too expensive (even though I make six figures), I have the world's worst upstairs neighbors, and I want a yard. Someday…
Ruh roh! Living in the city with 3 babies!? If anyone could do it, it would be you, but my mom moved when she was preggers with me because she was afraid people would sneeze on me while waiting to cross the street. But she is also nuts and basically bathes in lysol. ANnyywayyy, I think it depends mostly on your fam and what works for you. If you think they would be up for the adventure, go for it! I would love to see what you can do with a New York Apt, but I am a country mouse myself!
p.s. I have showed at least a dozen people your Christmas Evie miracle and it gets tears of joy every time!
I am a former corporate lawyer, lived on upper west side for 10 years, and park slope for the past 7. Cliche, I know. A few points. 1. Living in the city is an amazing experience, so I would at least try it out for a while before going suburbs. Stuff is just stuff, that's all. Can't make life choices based on the contents of your basement. 2. Your husband will be working crazy hours as a young associate. Having a short commute should not be underestimated. 3. In this rental market there are some good values to be had. 4. In Brooklyn you get more space for your money even in good school districts if you're going the public route. 5. If you choose Brooklyn, make sure you're on a very convenient subway line for your husband's work.
Whatever you choose, I look forward to seeing your postings on your new home. I love your creativity and style and positive attitude!!!
Best wishes,
Sophie
i love living in new york city! however, it is just SO expensive to live in a good neighborhood. my husband & i lived in manhattan for a year, but now live in queens, as it is much more affordable and we have more space. and we still have easy access to the subway and a quick commute to midtown.
looking forward to seeing what you do with your new space!!
Oh, what an adventure that would be. I lived in NYC quite some time ago, briefly, and it was something else. (Good and Bad!)
Janell
A second comment: it is very, very important to consider, as you have, how this will impact your husband's interaction with the family. My husband has always worked crazy hours and his job has never even been that far from home. Still, it got to the point that the kids and I, without realizing, sort of just tuned him out of the what was going on because he was never around. Obviously, your family is more important than any "stuff" so if you need to be in the city for your family, that's what you need to do. And don't let him work those crazy hours "forever."
Ann